Lecturers' verdict: hard work puts women on top

Women work harder than men at university and get better degrees as a result, according to a small study carried out at Brunel University.

The survey of Brunel University's department of geography and earth sciences showed that women consistently outperform men in the department.

According to the figures taken from the department, 65% of female students were awarded a 2:1 or a first, while only 35% of male graduates achieved the same results.

The study, which tracked approximately 200 students over a four-year period, is all the more startling given that there was no noticeable difference in their A-level qualifications.

The survey painted a picture of female students as more conscientious, less likely to miss lectures and more likely to accept their marks as a true reflection of the work they had carried out than their male peers.

While girls are known to outperform male pupils at school, this research suggests that the trend could continue into university, the researchers said.

Dr Fiona Smith, senior lecturer at Brunel University's department of geography and earth sciences, said: "The survey offers a fascinating view as it debunks a previously held opinion - that the academic gender gap is purely a school phenomenon.

"It also makes the inequality for working women in terms of pay and promotion all the more poignant. Put simply, women work harder at school, harder at university and do better in both, yet still receive less pay in their workplace.

"Most women feel that getting good grades is the most important part of university life. They believe they need to work harder in order to be able to compete in the male-dominated environment they will encounter at work: good grades are viewed as an 'insurance policy' for success.

"Men, on the other hand, feel that it's not 'macho' to work hard. They tend to put going out and playing sport higher on their priorities than academic work."

Professor Steven Schwartz is vice-chancellor at the university and also head of the higher education admissions review taskforce, which is looking at mechanisms universities can use to encourage more students from disadvantaged backgrounds to go into higher education. He said that the research, though inconclusive, raised "interesting questions".

"The government currently has a focus on widening participation in order to reach its target of 50% of school leavers moving into higher education. However, according to the figures in this survey, it may be that the vast majority of graduates will be women, while men risk losing out in the qualifications stakes.

"As educationalists, this survey shows how vital it is that we engage all young people and teach them the value of higher education."